A KEIGHLEY community has spoken of its pride after winning recognition in a national initiative.

The New Keith Thompson Centre on the Braithwaite estate was a finalist in the Eden Project Big Lunch competition.

“There were more than 500 entries from throughout the UK and our story won the judges over,” said a spokesperson.

“They felt we deserved recognition for the efforts that the committee and volunteers are putting in towards getting a new purpose-built centre at Braithwaite Ring.

“We won £1,000 towards our future projects and a Big Lunch hamper to use at our coronation garden party, together with a letter from Buckingham Palace signed by King Charles III.”

The garden party, held at the Merlin Top/Beckfoot Phoenix school site, was hailed as a huge success. “Over 250 residents came together to celebrate, creating lasting memories that the children can fondly look back on in years to come,” said the spokesperson.

Organisations have also been reflecting on the success of volunteering events held on the Monday of the coronation weekend, as part of The Big Help Out.

More than 60 volunteers spent the morning at Low Wood Scout Campsite and Activity Centre, Riddlesden.

Despite wet weather, tree planting and a range of site maintenance tasks were carried out.

A spokesperson said: “We want to say a massive ‘thank you’ to all the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Network members, leaders, parents, Young Farmers and those from the local community who came along to volunteer.”

Scouting members took part in activities across the country to mark the coronation.

Chief Scout, Bear Grylls, said: “We were delighted to be a central part of the weekend, particularly given that the King and Queen Consort have a long history of support for volunteering.”

Keighley Rotary Club also marked The Big Help Out, by volunteering in Cliffe Castle Park.

“It had seemed the perfect day to start helping Cliffe Castle Support Group renovate the cast-iron urns around the park,” said a spokesperson. “But unfortunately the weather wasn’t suitable for painting! We’ve started with the preparation of the urns and plan to get the work completed during the summer.”

That day also saw Haworth Band in action. It provided music for a well-attended coronation picnic in Haworth’s Central Park. Music included famous brass band marches and I Vow to Thee My Country, and concluded with a fanfare and special arrangement of the national anthem.